Quick Pasta Dishes
Comforting, versatile, and ready in 30 minutes or less — quick pasta dishes are the ultimate weeknight hero. With pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up fast and flavorful meals that beat takeout every time.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet or Saucepan
- Colander
Ingredients
Pantry Staples
- dry pasta spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or shells
- canned tomatoes for quick sauces
- garlic and onions flavor base
- olive oil cooking and finishing
- cheese parmesan, mozzarella, or feta
Quick Add-Ins
- frozen vegetables peas, broccoli, spinach, etc.
- protein options canned tuna, rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or sausage
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Meanwhile, sauté garlic, onions, and any vegetables or proteins in olive oil to build flavor.
- Stir in sauce ingredients like canned tomatoes, cream, or pesto. Simmer briefly.
- Toss pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess.
- Finish with cheese, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
Try variations like garlic butter spaghetti, lemon garlic shrimp pasta, or veggie stir-fry pasta for endless variety. Whole wheat pasta, extra vegetables, and lean proteins make it a healthier option.
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